Spain - (AL 3 - 7) A 7 day self directed trip to the Spanish island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Tenerife Video:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/HL7uPY88XD4
There are three possible holiday types that a visitor can have in Tenerife.
An activity holiday, visiting all of the tourist destinations that the island has to offer ; The laid-back, inactive holiday type of Sleep, Food, Sun & Entertainment ; A holiday that is a mixture of both holiday options (1) and (2), above.
Tenerife, Spain
This is a blog from the perspective of a type (2) holiday above.
Tenerife is one of the Canary Island group belonging to Spain, off the coast of north west Africa. The Canary Islands are the most well known, popular sun destination for Irish people. Because of their geographic location, closer to the equator, they have up to 330 days of sunshine per year. The seven main islands are (from largest to smallest in area) Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.
These Islands all have a subtropical climate. Temperatures are warm and show little seasonal variation. More recently, Irish people treat a trip to the Canaries like they used to treat a trip to the Lakes of Killarney, except with better weather and only a four hour flight away.
The beaches in Tenerife are very safe and they are dotted all around the island’s coastal fringe. They are formed from black sand due to the nature of the volcanic rock, however some of the beaches are now having the black sand replaced with white, which is imported from Africa. Most of them are “Blue Flag” beaches having life guards, amenities and breakwaters to stop bigger waves hitting the beaches.
Mount Teide National Park is dominated by El Teide volcano with a 3718m summit making it the highest point in Spain, and one of the world’s largest volcanoes, raising over 7000m above the seabed. Mount Teide is dormant and last erupted back in 1909.
There are two airports on Tenerife; the (TFN) Tenerife North airport is fairly small and mostly used for local flights between the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. The major airport (TFS) Tenerife South airport is much bigger and is used for international flights.
The capital of the island is Santa Cruz (de Tenerife) and it has a population of approx 900k inhabitants in total.
A sense of Tenerife, Spain
The dark volcanic sandy beaches can stretch for a few kilometres, backed by villages and towns, with a full complement of restaurants and bars. Whether you simply feel like kicking back and taking in the sunshine, having a bite to eat and a few beers at a beachfront restaurant or bar, or getting active with one of the many water sports options on offer - all is within easy access. For shoppers in search of bargains, the markets in Tenerife are legendary places of pilgrimage. Here you can find anything from hand-made jewellery to knock-off designer watches and bags to hand-made lace products. Without a doubt, on Tenerife, the centre of the lively party scene is found in Playa de las Américas. where a visitor will find clubs and bars offering everything from karaoke to R&B. If you are looking for something more quite, then Golf de Sur, Los Gigantes or Los Cristianos are better options, as they aren’t really known for their nightlife. If you are looking for a more traditional Canarian experience, with slightly cooler temperatures, then visit the extreme north west of the island.
Spanish is the language of the Canary Islands, however, the vast majority of people speak excellent English.
Our recommendation for a trip to Tenerife, Spain:-
(1) We suggest you stay in any of the coastal situated hotels or apartments, depending on your budget. The island’s public transport system is very regular and relatively cheap.
(2) Do the guided island tour, or rent a car and go on your own self directed tour, there is loads to see.
(3) Have a drink (or two) in any of the multiplicity of available bars. Stick to the small Spanish bars for the more authentic experience.
The average cost per couple / per week B&B is €800.
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”
“The route to happiness is in the journey and rarely in the destination alone.”
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